Beginning in fall 2014, Boston University will offer a six-year Doctor of Medicine (MD) and Doctor of Law (JD) degree through a joint program between two of its most prestigious professional schools – the Schools of Law and Medicine. Yale is the only other university in New England to offer an MD/JD program.

The complex interactions of medicine and law combined with changes in health policy and government regulation and mandates create a need for individuals trained in both disciplines. Career paths for graduates holding MD-JD degrees include health care administration, health law including legislation, medical policy (e.g. health disparities or medical licensing) and intellectual property issues related to medical research and technologies.

“From the implementation of the Affordable Care Act to patenting innovations in biotechnology to managing the growing complexities of health care organizations, the legal and medical fields have become increasingly intertwined,” said BU School of Law Dean Maureen A. O’Rourke. “We want to prepare future leaders who can manage the rapid changes that are happening in these interdisciplinary fields.”

“By collaborating across the University with our outstanding law school colleagues, we have designed an outstanding comprehensive MD/JD programs to prepare students for leadership roles in hospital or health care systems, medical policy or academic administration.” said BU School of Medicine Dean and Medical Campus Provost Karen Antman, MD.

Students will earn both degrees in 6 years, one year less than if they pursued the two degrees independently. Students will complete the first three years of the medical school curriculum, then spend their fourth and fifth years fully integrated into the JD program at the School of Law. They fulfill their remaining medical and law course requirements in the sixth year of the program. Students will apply to both schools for acceptance into the program. The first students will be accepted in spring of 2014. Matriculating students will be advised by faculty members from both Schools.